Vintage Mexican Sterling Silver Pill Box (Iguala 925, Maker ELM, Green Stone Accent) 🇲🇽🟢🥈
This is a Collector-Grade Vintage Pill Box crafted from authentic 925 Sterling Silver in the famed silversmithing town of Iguala, Mexico. It is clearly hallmarked, dated, and identified by the maker's initials.
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Origin: Iguala, Guerrero, Mexico (Hallmarked "IGUALA 925 HECHO EN MEX").
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Material: 925 Sterling Silver and a natural Green Stone (likely Chrysoprase or Turquoise variant).
| Dimension | Measurement (Approximate) |
| Height | Approx. 0.5 inch |
| Width | Approx. 1.25 inches (Rectangular, based on pushpin) |
| Function | Pill Box, Snuff Box, Miniature Keepsake |
2. Item Details & Design ✨🎨
The box is characterized by its layered construction and modernist simplicity:
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Shape: Small, rectangular box with slightly rounded corners and a tight-fitting hinged lid.
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Body: Features deep horizontal channeling/layers which are heavily oxidized (darkened) to create a striking, stacked effect, giving the box a weighty, substantial feel.
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Lid Accent: The flat lid is decorated solely by a small, central round green cabochon stone set in a polished bezel, detailed with twisted rope wire.
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Hallmarks: Clearly marked on the base with the town, purity, and maker's initials: IGUALA 925 ELM HECHO EN MEX.
3. Historical/Period Context 🌏🕰️
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Period: Mid-20th Century (c. 1940s–1960s). Iguala and nearby Taxco were thriving centers of the Mexican Silver Renaissance during this era.
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Significance: Pieces with clear, complete hallmarks like this one are highly desirable to collectors of Mexican silver, verifying the artisan and guaranteeing the metal content.
4. The Ideal Collector 💡🧐
This item is perfect for:
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Dedicated collectors of Vintage Mexican Silver (Taxco/Iguala school).
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Enthusiasts who seek hallmarked and identifiable pieces (925, maker's initials).
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Buyers looking for a heavy, substantial sterling silver pill box with a minimalist/modernist aesthetic.
5. Condition & Valuation 💎💰
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Condition: Excellent Vintage Condition. Structurally sound with a functional hinge. The box retains its original, deep patina/oxidation, which provides the intended high contrast and is a major value point. The stone is secure and intact.
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Rarity: High (Verified sterling 925, known location, and identifiable maker elevate its value beyond unmarked pieces).
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Valuation Strategy: Price is maximized due to the Verified Sterling Purity, the clear Mexican Hallmarks, and the excellent condition of the hand-fabricated box.